A Dutch woman born with poor eyesight has been euthanised after doctors deemed that she was “suffering unbearably”.
This is the first case of blindness being cited as a reason for euthanasia in Holland and has stirred concern amongst pro-life campaigners.
The unnamed woman was born with poor eyesight which deteriorated with age.
Norm
Campaigners are concerned that assisted suicide could gradually become the norm for trivial reasons.
Pro-life campaigners have also referred to the decision as medical negligence, as doctors should have sought a way to manage her psychological problems before supporting her choice to end her life.
Euthanasia on the rise
Recent statistics have shown that deaths by euthanasia in Holland have hit record highs, with nearly one in seven people dying at the hands of their doctors.
The number of Euthanasia cases since 2012 has risen by 13 per cent, an increase possibly boosted by the introduction of mobile death units launched last year.
‘Heart breaking’
Andrea Minichiello Williams, CEO of Christian Concern, commented: “This story is heart breaking and shows just how heartless people can become when assisted suicide and euthanasia are introduced.
“In the light of these tragic cases, it’s unfathomable to think how pro-euthanasia and assisted suicide campaigners in the UK think this is a good idea.
“When the laws protecting life are weakened, it’s not long before attitudes change and life is no longer considered sacred.
“We must do all we can in the UK to resist any attempt to change the law which would put us on the same destructive path that Holland is now on.”
‘Callous Arrogance’
Anthony Ozimic of pro-life lobby group SPUC Pro-life said:
“Wherever euthanasia or assisted suicide has been allowed, so-called ‘exceptional circumstances’ are quickly becoming the norm, and the criteria for death are expanding.
“Millions of people around the world are blind, yet these doctors in their callous arrogance have deemed that at least some blind people should be killed rather than treated.”
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